Censure Mary Lou over water charges position

Several Members of the Oireachtas, including Mary Lou McDonald (a member of the Public Accounts Committee), have stated that they will not pay water charges levied on them personally.

The Code of Conduct of Dáil Éireann, adopted in 2002, obliges Members to strive to maintain the public trust placed in them and to conduct themselves in a manner that does not bring the integrity of the Dáil into serious disrepute.

The Code also demands that Members must interact with authorities involved with public administration and the enforcement of the law in a manner which is consistent with their roles as public representatives and legislators.

How can a broadcast declaration not to pay a utility charge determined by legislation be consistent with the spirit and purpose of this Code?

If a Member brings the Dáil into serious disrepute, undermines the integrity of the institution or fails to interact appropriately with authorities involved with public administration, shouldn’t there be a punishment in the form of censure, reprimand, condemnation, removal from an Oireachtas committee or some other sanction.

Or will a blind-eye be turned and public trust in the Oireachtas taken for granted?

Myles Duffy

Bellevue Avenue

Glenageary

Co Dublin